Ecotourism: A Traveler's Guide

Whether seeking to travel around the world or wanting to explore close to home, ecotourism presents a unique way for travelers and residents of a particular area to experience their surroundings. Instead of just playing the role of a tourist, ecotourism promotes responsible tourism, playing the role of a tourist who seeks to benefit a community in some way. Ecotourism takes multiple forms, but whether volunteering, limiting your travel to natural spaces or visiting underdeveloped areas in hopes of boosting the local economy, the goal of ecotourism is to make a difference or improve the world in some way.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is designed to leave a positive footprint on the world. It is not just about reducing consumption. It is about making a difference in communities, socially, environmentally and economically. When an eco-trip is taken with thought and care, its impact can last far beyond the end of the trip.

Sustainable Tourism Means Business– In a short video, the Travel Foundation interviews leaders in the travel industry to help explain the positive impact that ecotourism or sustainable practices can have on business.

Advantages of Ecotourism – From its impact on the local community to its environmental benefits, USA Today outlines the positive elements of ecotourism.

The Components of Successful Ecotourism – While most eco-tourists have good intentions, not all have a positive impact. The International Ecotourism Society outlines suggestions to make ecotourism more successful.

Bar Harbor Declaration: Ecotourism in the US – One of the focuses of the national Ecotourism Conference, sponsored by the International Ecotourism Society is the Bar Harbor Declaration which outlines the benefits of ecotourism and offers information to encourage federal, state and local officials to make ecotourism a priority.

Planning an Eco-Trip

Taking an eco-trip requires a different type of planning than a traditional vacation. Ecotourism does not often involve booking a room at a local hotel or hailing a taxi to get you to your destination. A traditional travel guide full of museums and other local attractions will not offer suggestions for the type of experiences you seek. Instead, you must think about your trip and what sort of impact you want to make, putting thought into even small details such as finding acceptable lodging and determining where to find eco-friendly methods of transportation.

13 Tips for the Accidental Ambassador – Learn whether being an ethical traveler is right for you with these tips from the Ethical Traveler which offer things to consider before and during your trip.

How Green Are Your Travels? – The “Green" Hotels Association has you consider not only being green on the trip you take, but also making sure your home is green while you're away.

The Green Travel Guide – The travel deals website Expedia supports ecotourism by providing resources to help you find green hotels, natural destinations and other tips for being a successful eco-tourist.

The Green Passport – From planning your trip to making a difference even after you get back, the United Nations Travel Programme's Green Passport gives eco-tourists all of the information they need for sustainable travel.

Where to Go

Ecotourism takes place all over the world. From international opportunities to options just minutes from your front door, the opportunity to be an eco-tourist is everywhere. Once you have determined if ecotourism is right for you and figured out the type of impact you want to make, you can begin to scope out destinations.

Staycation: Environmentally-Friendly Vacation – The Sierra Club gives ways to enjoy an eco-friendly vacation near your own home with suggestions such as seeking out vegan restaurants or exploring public transportation and bike rental options instead of using your car.

Discover the Benefits of a Staycation – Find suggestions for an eco-friendly staycation from the Eco Traveller which suggests getting involved in a local project or exploring local nature during your eco-friendly vacation.

Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance – Travel to Mesoamerican countries on an eco-trip or browse the trip options to get an idea of how to create an eco-trip near where you live.

Earthfoot's Ecotour Posterboard – Find individuals around the world willing to take you on an eco-tour. From birding to learning about different cultures, tours are custom-designed by individuals dedicated to ecotourism and may be the perfect way to find an opportunity right where you are.

Global Exchange Reality Tour – Global Exchange's Reality Tours are designed to show tourists the reality of social and economic issues throughout the world and provide them with an opportunity to make a difference.